WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball rose in the national polls Tuesday, moving up to No. 6 in the latest NABC Division II Top 25, as released by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
 
The Sailfish climbed two spots from No. 8 in last week's poll after a pair of SSC wins over Embry-Riddle and Saint Leo. PBA defeated the Eagles on the road 70-66 on Wednesday before taking down the Lions, 93-69 at home on Saturday. PBA currently sits at 14-1 overall and 6-1 in Sunshine State Conference play.
 
PBA continues to boast the toughest team defense in the country. The Sailfish lead the conference in points allowed and opponent's field goal percentage. Opponents are scoring just 68.7 points per game and shooting 38 percent from the field against the 'Fish. Offensively, PBA is tied for third in the SSC in points per game, averaging 89.6. The 'Fish lead the league in field goal percentage, shooting an efficient 52 percent from the field.
 
Christian Kirkland earned his second SSC Defensive Player of the Week Honor. Kirkland anchored the Sailfish defense during a 2–0 week, averaging 2.5 blocks and 5.5 rebounds per game while serving as a consistent rim protector in the paint. Alvin Tumblin Jr. has come made a leap in year two with the Sailfish, scoring double-digits in four straight games, including a 33-point game at Florida Southern. He leads the SSC in field goal percentage at 68 percent. 
 
Preston Le Gassick has been a consistent offensive force for the Sailfish. He averaged 19.6 points per game, shooting 52 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range. He has orchestrated the offense, leading the squad with 4.9 assists per game.
 
Palm Beach Atlantic will look to carry its national momentum forward as it continues conference play this week. PBA hosts Tampa on Wednesday at 7:30 in Rubin Arena before taking on Rollins at home on Saturday at 2 p.m.